Mark Ruffalo Will Star In Upcoming HBO Limited Series From 'Mare Of Easttown' Creator

Marvel Cinematic Universe star and award-winning actor Mark Ruffalo ("I Know This Much Is True," "Spotlight," "Poor Things," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame") has been tapped for an upcoming limited series drama for HBO from "Mare of Easttown" creator Brad Ingelsby.

HBO announced the project this week. The new show will be written and executive produced by Ingelsby.

Ruffalo is also attached as executive producer for the show, with Jeremiah Zagar ("We the Animals") serving as director and executive producer for the project. The new project is still untitled and going by the handle, "Untitled Brad Ingeslby Task Force Project."

The new series looks to be an original crime drama about a task force of law enforcement officers, and the criminals they seek to bring to justice. Casting decisions for the show were made before the start of the currently ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Ingelsby previously created, wrote, and executive produced the critically acclaimed crime drama, "Mare of Easttown," which also aired on HBO. The show was nominated for 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, and it won four, including Outstanding Lead Actress for star Kate Winslet, Outstanding Supporting Actor for co-star Evan Peters, and Outstanding Supporting Actress for co-star Julianne Nicholson.

Speaking on the announcement via a press release, HBO Head of Drama Series and Films Francesca Orsi commented, "We are absolutely thrilled to once again join forces with Brad Ingelsby, the brilliant auteur behind ‘Mare of Easttown.’ Brad's boundless creativity and unrivaled ability to captivate audiences is nothing short of inspiring, and we cannot be more excited to embark on another journey together."

She continued, "When the opportunity arose to partner with Mark on another series, we all jumped at the chance to witness him once again breathe great humanity into a new role. We are also honored to collaborate with Jeremiah, an unparalleled director whose deep understanding of visual storytelling will only elevate this project to new heights. The convergence of these talents is so exciting, and we cannot wait to share this story with the world."

The new series is being produced in association with wiip, which also produced "Mare of Easttown." Ingelsby will write and executive produce the limited series under his overall deal with HBO, with Paul Lee and Mark Roybal serving as executive producers for the wiip banner. Nicole Jordan-Webber and Public Record's Jeremy Yaches are attached as co-executive producers.

Ruffalo is a three-time Oscar nominee for his performances in "The Kids Are All Right," "Foxcatcher," and "Spotlight." In 2020, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his dual performance as Dominick and Thomas Birdsey in "I Know This Much Is True." The show also aired on HBO.

With Hollywood currently amid a writers' strike, and a potential strike with the actors' union (SAG-AFTRA) looming, it's unknown when the show will be able to begin production. It's likely that the show won't be able to go before the cameras until the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike issues are ultimately resolved.

SAG-AFTRA is entering negotiations with the AMPTP this week, and the union's current contract with AMPTP expires on June 30. As reported by The Blast, the union's members overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike authorization, meaning SAG-AFTRA's National Board could potentially call for a strike if a new agreement is not made by the upcoming deadline.